Carpentry Training Programme for Internally Displaced Persons Launched in Singngat, Manipur

Singngat, Manipur, September 25, 2025 – The Diocesan Social Service Society (DSSS), Imphal, in partnership with Spanish Catholic NGO Manos Unidas, launched a 60-day carpentry training programme for Catholic Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at St. Thomas Parish in Singngat yesterday. The initiative aims to equip IDPs based in the Singngat region with carpentry skills, which will enable them to generate income and become financially self-reliant.

The launch event of the training, held at the parish school hall, opened with a prayer led by Mrs. Nu Martha Chingkang, an internally displaced person (IDP).

In his introductory speech, Mr. Thomas Paupi, DSSS Field Manager for the Singngat region, highlighted the organisation's mission and explained the purpose of the training. He emphasised DSSS' commitment to improving the lives of IDPs who lost their homes and belongings during the ethnic violence in Manipur. He urged the beneficiaries of the training programme to fully utilise the knowledge and skills they gain from it, as well as the carpentry toolkits which will be provided to them, to boost their economic prospects.

In his keynote address, Fr. Joseph Muan, Assistant Parish Priest of St. Thomas Church, Singngat, urged the beneficiaries of the training to be grateful and to teach their children to value the support they have received from DSSS and other sources during difficult times. He also appealed to them to become donors and supporters of DDSS initiatives in the future. 

During the event, seventeen beneficiaries received carpentry tool kits and crafted a library rack during practical sessions, guided by T. Benjamin Zou, an experienced carpenter and IDP leading the training.

Parish Pastoral Council members, youth leaders, local church unit leaders, and Pa John, chief of Munpi, who donated land for IDPs, attended the launch event. The entire day’s programme was organised and coordinated by Miss Mary Grace, a member of the Community-Based Committee (CBC). 

The launch event coincided with the successful completion of a month-long weaving training that equipped 67 IDP women with skills to craft products and boost their livelihoods. During the event, the trainees proudly showcased their finished creations, including traditional Zou shawls and mufflers. Many of them shared that the skills they gained during the training enabled them to invest their time and energy into supporting their families.

The event concluded with refreshments and meaningful interactions between the beneficiaries and attendees.

By Tungthang Zou

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